Show 63: Owner and President of Maine Running Company John Rogers

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John Rogers grew up in Oregon and received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida in Advertising and Marketing. Rogers ran competitively while in college and qualified for both the 1984 and 1988 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials. Sebago Footwear brought Rogers to Maine, and he fell in love with the state immediately.

TideSmart Talk with Stevoe host Steve Woods (left) is joined in our Falmouth studios by owner and president of Maine Running Company John Rogers (right).

In 2005, Rogers opened Maine Running Company, and the store has received many accolades and recognition over the years. The year after opening, the store was nominated as one of the top three new running stores in the U.S., by The Running Network. Maine Running Company has two locations, with one in Portland (just relocated to Marginal Way), and a second location in Brunswick. In 2008 Maine Running Company was voted Best Running Store in New England by “Runner’s World”. Every year, “Competitor” magazine and “Running Insight” identify the 50 Best Running Stores in America. Maine Running Company has received this honor in 2008, 2010, 2011 and 2012.

In 2005, Rogers helped form the Independent Running Retailers Association (IRRA). He also served as its initial Executive Director from 2007-2008. Rogers still remains on the board.

Rogers is actively involved in supporting the Portland Trails network and sponsors the Weekly Back Cove 5K Series, which each summer raises over $15,000. He also sponsors and coaches the “Reach the Beacon” training program, which since 2006 has grown to over 700 participants. This program further evolved into the Maine Running Academy in 2010. Rogers and the Maine Running Company are supporters of the Maine Cancer Foundation’s Tri for a Cure, as well as several other community races.

John, his wife Cheryl and two children, Kenzie and Jake, live in Yarmouth. When not running, Rogers serves on both the Center for Grieving Children, and Girls on the Run Board of Directors.